How to prepare video files for Dynamic Lighting content

Projects with dynamic content require optimised visual material to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted experience. To correctly import a video or content into your project, we recommend considering several important factors:

• Temporal resolution (Frame-rate)

• Spatial resolution

• File size

• Quality verification

• Recommended compression format

Temporal resolution (Frame-rate)

The default temporal resolution (frame-rate) in the Protopixel Mapping Tool is 60 FPS. To achieve maximum smoothness, and whenever possible, your videos should be rendered at 60 FPS.

• The Protopixel rendering engine operates at 60 FPS by default.

• Whenever possible, your videos should be rendered at 60 FPS to maintain maximum smoothness.

• If your installation has limitations and runs at lower FPS (for example, 25 FPS on fully loaded Long Range controllers), the system will automatically resample the video.

• If you need to display high-frequency content, make sure to properly dimension your installation (more controllers per number of pixels).

👆🏻 Avoid videos with fast movements if you're working with low FPS, as they will appear choppy or unnatural. 👆🏻

Spatial resolution

Dynamic lighting installations work with much lower resolutions than traditional displays:

• The video resolution must be divisible by 4 to avoid playback issues.

• There's no need to use 4K videos or extremely high detail; many fine details can generate unwanted visual artifacts.

• Before using a video, review it in the Mapping Tool's preview simulation to confirm that visual elements are clearly visible.

File size

Projects exceeding 200 MB may cause problems when uploading to the Protopixel Brain Experience, especially if you're working via WiFi or unstable connections. If your network or disk space is limited, prioritise light and optimised videos.

Quality verification

Before uploading any video:

• Check playback smoothness with a reliable player like VLC.

• If the video appears choppy in VLC, it will also be choppy in your installation.

Recommended compression format

To ensure compatibility and efficiency, use the following settings:

Parameter	Recommendation
Maximum resolution	720p
Aspect ratio	16:9
Encoding	H.264
Container format	MP4
Compression quality	RF24 (Constant quality)
Frame-rate	60 FPS

👆🏻 To change your video format, check the following article on converting videos with Handbrake. 👆🏻